Reading: Nathan, My Freshman Year

1. Nathan's goal is to understand undergraduate student culture -- a group of which you are a part. You are therefore likely to see elements of your own experiences and perspectives reflected, yet you will also find key points of divergence. As you read Nathan's descriptions of such topics as dorm life, attitudes toward classes, time management, cheating, race and ethnicity, and social interaction, keep notes as to how your own experiences at Holy Cross resemble and depart from what she describes. What might account for these differences?

2. What were the perspectives of foreign students at AnyU? What do they suggest about US college culture?

3. Throughout the book, Nathan reflects on her methodological strategies. What were some of the limitations she faced? How did she try to compensate for them or acknowledge them in designing and implementing her research? What mix of methodologies did she use? How did they shape her results?

4. How does Nathan explain the factors shaping the attitudes and behaviors of college students? What role do local factors such as peers and university structure play? What about broader factors, such as family and economics?

5. What are the ethical issues raised by Nathan's undercover anthropology? How does she adddress them in the afterword? Do you find her decisions acceptable or problematic? Why?

6. Our class on Wednesday will consist of a student-led discussion. Prof. Leshkowich will leave the room for the first 10 minutes of class to allow you time to set the agenda and go over the topics you would like to discuss. To prepare for this, jot down ahead of time issues or points that you would like to bring up.

 

For more information, contact:  aleshkow@holycross.edu